The rise and rise of magic Maher

IT WAS off-hand comment and revelation, both at the same time.

Former Tipp selector Eamonn O’Shea was fielding a general question early in the year about the youth in the Premier County senior hurling ranks — specifically, whether he and the rest of the management team could be sure the youngsters on board were ready.

“If you stood next to Padraic Maher in a dressing room,” said O’Shea, “you’d know he’s ready.”